The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton is a duel time line work of historical fiction . I am interested in any book that takes place during the Tudor era. I especially enjoy stories that are about characters other than the usual suspects. Elizabeth Barton … the maid of Kent… was a young woman who claimed she had visions from God regarding the marriage of Henry the VIII and Anne Boylen. The story portrays a young woman caught up in the frenzy that is both manipulated and used by the clergy trying to stop England’s division from the Catholic Church.
The modern story is about a women Allison, a historian that has found the lost book of Elizabeth Barton. This story becomes a typical English closed door mystery. This part of the story was a little less successful for me.
Thanks to net galley for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a pleasant surprise.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book!

A dual timeline historical fiction novel with a murder mystery. It was really interesting reading about this time in history. I enjoy historical fiction novels, but most are about WWI/WWII so this was a breathe of fresh air for me to learn more about the Tudor/Reformation era!

Highly recommended.

This debut novel is both captivating and enlightening. Before picking it up, I’d never heard of Elizabeth Barton; now I feel genuinely enriched by her remarkable story and the history surrounding her. The author’s dual-timeline narrative is expertly woven—each period illuminating the other—so the plot never loses momentum while delivering plenty of well-researched detail. Informative without ever feeling heavy-handed, the book combines vivid characterization with a historian’s eye for accuracy. An impressive first effort; I look forward to whatever Ms. Brown writes next.

This is an excellent book that I couldn't put down. There are two time lines, one in the 1500's and the other in the present. Both center around the mystery of Elizabeth Barton, a real person known as the Holy Maid of Kent, whose was believed by some prominent men to have the gift of prophesy. Most people in Elizabeth's time were Catholic, but this was a dangerous time for Catholics. Henry VIII wanted to divorce his barren wife because he needed an heir. To accomplish this, he separated the Church of England from the Pope's authority, and was thorough in squashing dissent. The common people believed in Elizabeth's prophecies which was a problem for Henry, since her prophesies did not favor him.

Fast forward to the present where a group of historians visit a manor where they plan to spend time on their various projects. It is an honor to be invited, and Alison Sage was invited because she had recently found a rare copy of the book of Elizabeth's prophecies. The manor house also near to where Elizabeth Barton had lived, another bonus for Alison. The book took an unexpected turn near the end. I never saw that coming.

I received an e-arc from the publisher St. Martin's Press via NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed it.

I think often in a dual timeline, the reader can have one timeline that becomes so much their preference that they race through the other timeline to get back to the one that they like. Brown did a good job of making sure that each section was compelling enough to keep you engaged, but the book never felt unbalanced between the timelines. The history was beautifully drawn, and the plot was well-put together.

This upcoming dual timeline story is one that will surely be an enjoyable one for everyone who reads it. The modern timeline follows the story of a historian who comes across some information that was thought to be lost from a nun who lived in the sixteenth century. I was very impressed because the historical time period took place during the Tudor era which happens to be one of my favorite era's. I admired the work ethic of the modern day historian as she worked hard to uncover the truth of the sixteenth century.

In the sixteenth century we are introduced to Elizabeth Barton who starts out her days working on her Uncle's farm. After a bout with illness she decides to become a nun. However, she keeps having these visions regarding the crumbling marriage of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. However, she speaks out against the relationship of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn predicting that no good will come from it.

The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton is absolutely perfect. Two of my favorite genres meshed together in one, the perfect combination of murder mystery and historical fiction revolving around 16th century English royalty.

I enjoyed every bit of this novel. The plot and the characters captivated me.

Perfect for fans of Phillipa Gregory and Allison Weir and everything mysterious and tragic and dark about old English royalty, specifically Elizabeth 1, Mary Queen of Scots and Henry viii.

Jennifer N. Brown hit the spot with this one and completely wowed me. I can't wait to discover more from this author.
Highly recommend!

Did you love AP European history? This is the book for you! It combined a lot of genres that I love: thriller, dark academia, mystery, historical fiction. I really enjoyed the mystery element to the story and how it lined up with both timelines. I would highly recommend this book!

The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton blends Tudor intrigue with a modern mystery. Barton, the Maid of Kent, is compelling as clergy exploit her visions against Henry VIII. While the present-day storyline felt less engaging, the historical thread was fascinating. A pleasant surprise for Tudor fans.

I would describe the ending of this book as simply, wow. The ending page gave me goosebumps! I loved the scholarly setting and characters in the story. They all felt very realistic and the dual-timeline was fascinating. This is an excellent book for those who love history in general. Seeing the two timelines come together was addicting. Once I got to the fifty percent point of the book, I started racing through. So much started happening so fast and I just needed to know. There were quite a few red herrings and twists throughout, but the main culprit was hidden in plain sight.

I loved the anti-patriarchy message. Women are often seen as lesser, even when their efforts are manipulated for men. I love the way the author uses this theme both of the plotpoints. Very well written.

I really loved this book. I love dual timeline historical fiction, and this one also gave me a glimpse into the life of an academic researcher - something I wish I would have pursued. The historic timeline is one that is somewhat familiar to me, but no prior knowledge would be necessary in order to enjoy the novel. Everything tied together so well, and even the moments early on in the book where I wondered why there was so much attention given, everything made sense by the end. I look forward to the publication of the book so that I can recommend it to others!

I devoured this book! It's a dual timeline story that combines historical fiction about Elizabeth Barton, a Tudor era nun known for her visions, and a modern story of a group of academics, one of whom has located a copy of Barton's book. There's a secondary modern storyline that I won't cover here to avoid spoilers, but suffice to say it's interesting and keeps the plot moving. I was a bit frustrated with the modern main character, but nonetheless really enjoyed the book. Unlike many dual timeline stories, this one has clearly identified chapter headings noting the time and location, and both story lines move along in chronological order, making it easy to keep things straight. Thanks to the publisher for the free e-copy for review.

AWESOME. I didn't know what to expect going into this novel, but boy o boy I was very pleasantly surprised and impressed by the speed of this book and the sheer amount of information that fits in here. This is a mix of historical fiction, suspense, thriller, dark academia vibes, etc. So interesting and poignant, and while I don't typically love a split perspective that switches off each chapter, this worked so well for me and taught me so many new and interesting things about that specific time period in the 1500s. LOVE!

Thanks to St. Martins Press and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

An absolutely brilliant debut work of fiction. I was transfixed (and off learning more about Elizabeth Barton, Bloody Queen Mary etc. between chapters).. This is a classic closed circle in the style of the golden age of murder mysteries. A who dunnit that keeps you guessing.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review: The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton by Jennifer N. Brown

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton. This beautifully woven novel captivated me from start to finish.
I especially loved the dual timeline structure—moving between past and present added depth and intrigue, making the story feel both timeless and urgent. Jennifer N. Brown skillfully blends fiction with threads of real history, which gave the narrative an extra layer of authenticity and emotional resonance.
If you're a fan of historical fiction or mystery, this book is a must-read. The characters are compelling, the pacing is spot-on, and the historical elements are seamlessly integrated. I give it a full five stars and can’t wait to see what Brown writes next.

Want help turning this into a graphic for your socials or adding a little LootNest flair to your review style? I’ve got ideas!

The era of Henry VIII’s rule and his relationship with his six wives/ Elizabethan era has always been somewhat of a Roman Empire for me, and I have never read a book that was entirely focused on Elizabeth Barton before.

This story utterly captivated me from the start and I was desperate to figure out the mystery of the supposed treasure. I loved the usage of the dual POV narrative; I’d reach the end of a chapter and would be so wrapped up in the story line that I’d forget we’d switch characters and plot lines, and it would be yet another chapter before I would find out what was happening with either Elizabeth or Alison. The twists were clever and I loved how well little puzzle pieces sprinkled throughout the novel all came together at the end. I felt that the ending seemed a bit rushed and would've loved a resolution concerning Alison's relationship with a few of the other consortium members, but it is also incredibly fitting the way that her story ends

I had no idea what to expect from this book, I liked the title and so included on my TBR. I'm so glad that I did. It is wonderful piece of historical fiction and modern fiction that intertwine perfectly. The protagonist is bit naive but so many academics are squirreled away in their own worlds that the naivety is believable and not irritating. The mystery sneaks up on you and the author does an excellent job of building the suspense.

Told from two perspectives in different parts of time, this book is about Elizabeth Barton - Holy Maid of Kent, and a professor learning about her in the present day, Alison Sage. After Alison discovers a long lost manuscript of Elizabeth's proclamations and prophecies, she starts to work on a paper and study of the life of the ill-fated woman from the Tudor Era. At the same time, we see the life Elizabeth leads, from the first vision she has at the height of a fever to the end, swinging from the end of a rope. For Alison, everything goes awry when she is invited to a writer's consortium in the countryside where Elizabeth once lived and things turn into a fear-inducing murder mystery.

The perspectives of both women in this book are told so incredibly well. Each has their own voice and way of thinking, and life experiences that shape how they react to things around them. I have always loved any books, fiction or non-fiction, that focus on the Tudor period and the happenings of the Reformation. The author of this book has a clear and precise flow to her writing and it makes you want to continue reading to find out each and every detail of both stories. I greatly enjoyed reading this book, and hope to see more from this author. It is such a joy to have a book that twists together fact and history with a mystery and the lives of people in the different periods of time.

Much thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.

4.5 rounded to 5.

The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton is a captivating dual-timeline historical mystery perfect for fans of Deborah Harkness and historical fiction

The novel weaves together two timelines: one set during the time of Henry VIII, the other in the present day. In the past, we follow Elizabeth Barton, a forgotten nun who dared to prophesy against King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Her story unfolds as she navigates the perilous consequences of defying the crown, surrounded by powerful men whose influence threatens her autonomy and safety.

In the present, Alison Sage, a Tudor historian, is invited to an elite academic consortium to discuss her groundbreaking discovery of Elizabeth’s long-lost book of prophecies. But what begins as a scholarly opportunity quickly spirals into a dangerous game. As the consortium progresses, she learns that all is not what it seems. She finds herself an unwilling participant in a potential treasure hunt that turns deadly.

I really enjoyed discovering Elizabeth along with Alison, and trying to figure out the mysteries. Who can Alison trust? Are the decisions Elizabeth making hers, or influenced by those meant to protect her?

A compelling blend of historical intrigue and modern suspense, this book kept me guessing until the very end.

Thank you to Netgalley, Jennifer N Brown, and St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy. My review is voluntary and honest.

One of my favorite things about historical fiction is when it weaves real people into the story. Even though I’m pretty familiar with this time period, I had never heard of Elizabeth Barton—the Holy Maid of Kent—before picking this up. That’s one of the reasons I love this genre: authors often introduce me to fascinating figures from history I might have otherwise overlooked. I went into this book completely blind, so discovering it was also a murder mystery was such a bonus. I devoured it in a single day because I simply had to know the outcome.

The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton is a dual timeline story that follows a modern day scholar, Ali, after she makes a great discovery, the lost prophecies of Elizabeth Barton….. and the actual life of Elizabeth Barton and her benefactor lady Vice
Ali gets invited to the old Vice house for an event where there is talk of treasure…… murder….. and shenanigans ensue!

I very much enjoyed this story, it brought me down the rabbit hole that is history, and I felt the story was as historically accurate as it could be with the story woven in.
The modern day mystery aspect kept it fun and entertaining, I found myself always wanting to jump to another time excited to find out what happens next.

Thank you for the privilege of this advanced reader copy! I can’t wait for the release date

Just about pitch perfect. I feel like this book was written for me—full of elements that I love: interesting historical fiction about a little known female figure written by someone who really knows her stuff; a dual timeline story perfectly balanced and paced; a whodunnit type intrigue that took a different direction than I first anticipated; a little bit if romance; a middle aged woman exasperated with the men around her. I only wish I hadn’t gotten through it so fast and that it had more denouement.

Sometimes dual timeline books can be a bit annoying to me but I LOVED this one. By the end of the book I could not say whose story interested me more - the academician Alison Sage or the Tudor era nun Elizabeth Barton. In both cases the unique ills women face in this world are highlighted.
The modern mystery involves the discovery of a manuscript from Tudor times specifically highlighting the transformation from Catholicism to Protestant. There are also strong vibes of dark academia and a murder to be solved, in and of itself a great book.
The historical segment imagines the life and fate of Elizabeth Barton who was a Catholic prophet in the time of Henry VIII. Her story was tragic but brought to light the conflicts of the times including the heinous behavior of the men on both sides. I learned a lot about the history of the times from a very interesting perspective. Sad to see how people use religion for their own personal gain.
Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the ARC to read and comment on. For me this was a real winner and one I would highly recommend. I will be reading this again when it comes out!

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read right now, especially if there’s a mystery element to it. So I was excited to dive into this books! It exceeded my expectations, which were high. I loved having dual storylines, it’s so interesting to have past and present plots as the mystery unfolds. I will totally be checking out more by this author.

I think this book will be enjoyed by many different types of people. I especially enjoyed the back-and-forth between now and then. I also enjoyed the etymology of terrific. Read the book you won’t be disappointed. It begins with a saint and ends with a sage. How the author combines both will be for you to discover. Loved it.

This is a great historical fiction mystery that had such interesting bits of history and a gripping murder mystery. The book bounced back and forth from the 1500s to the present and added depth and context to the mystery of the present. I kept looking up things to get more information and enjoyed several deep trips down rabbit holes. My wife and I both read this book and we both loved it.

4.5 stars rounded up.
I probably wasn't the intended audience for this book - I'm not a big reader of historical fiction, and dual timelines aren't my favourite. But I read Canticle by Janet Rich Edwards last year and became very interested in women visionaries in history. Once I read the blurb for The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton, I knew I needed to read it.

I loved this book - it was so interesting. One timeline is set in the 16th century and follows young Elizabeth Barton, whose life changes after a feverish vision during a long illness. Suddenly, she leaves service, lives in a priory, and is called the Holy Maid of Kent. The extent to which she is used by Church and political leaders becomes evident quickly. I found the Tudor period fascinating, and you know you are in great hands because Jennifer N. Brown is a medieval historian.

The other timeline is set in the present day. Medieval scholar Alison Sage has discovered the lost book of Elizabeth Barton, and her research has earned her a free trip to Kent to collaborate with some big names in medieval studies. She stays in a crumbling manor house neighbouring the priory where Elizabeth Barton lived centuries earlier. Something doesn't feel right to Alison, and more and more inconsistencies make her wonder why she was really invited. This timeline is very much a mystery.

Thank you to @netgalley and St. Martin's Press for this great book. I learned so much and was very entertained along the way.

A wonderfully crafted tale during the Tudor period with suspense, mystery, intrigue, with a splash of romance that captured my attention from the very beginning! This book was hard to put down and I'm so glad I got the opportunity to read this ARC book for myself!

A huge thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. What a fantastic story Jennifer Brown put together! Part historical fiction, part thriller, part mystery, and a touch of romance/heat. The dual timeline was perfectly crafted and it was easy to feel like you were present in both timelines. The main character was funny, clever, and so relatable.

I learned so.mich about Elizabeth Barton that now I'm ready to go down that rabbit hole and read more.

An excellent story! Highly recommend.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton was a history-mystery with a pinch of romance and a splash of suspense. The chapters alternate between the FMC, Dr. Alison Sage in 2023 and various women in the 1500s, including Elizabeth Barton (a real woman). This book is a mix of fact and fiction, creating an inspiring yet somber message about the hardships women have gone through and how men have often silenced us.

Jennifer N. Brown’s THE LOST BOOK OF ELIZABETH BARTON alternates chapters between two tales, one set in Tudor England and the other, at a contemporary scholars’ gathering in a dilapidated English manor. The book follows two paths.
One recounts the life and martyrdom of the young Elizabeth Barton, or as she became known the Mad Maid of Kent, from her early prophetic visions through her handling by clerics eager to keep England aligned with Rome. According to the author who is herself a medieval scholar, this material hews closely to known facts.
The second strand tells the fictional story of Dr. Alison Sage, a scholar who has discovered Elizabeth’s lost manuscript. The two stories entwine with rumors of long lost treasure fueled by persistent human temptations, greed and hidden alliances.
I am interested in this time period and the Canterbury environs; plus, Alison is shrewd, spunky and likable. The book, a combination historical fiction- modern murder mystery, kept my interest throughout.

With thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton
By: Jennifer N. Brown

5 Stars

This book was a beautifully told story that blends past and present masterfully. In the past, you get the story of a young Elizabeth Barton during the age of King Henry VIII. A young woman and a young visionary. In the present, you meet Alison Sage, a young academic who is studying Elizabeth, in the much later date of 2023. Together this is a story that is filled with history and mystery. Two of my favorite things.

I absolutely adored this book. It was so well written and beautifully descriptive. It told not just one, but two stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. I have always loved this time period and the history in this book was so well researched. I love anything historical! It was not just historical, but had a real thrill factor. So much danger, death, and betrayal both past and present, mixed with a good deal of hope and trust.


*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*

Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Reviews

Dual timeline historical fiction often falls flat on one of the timelines, but I enjoyed reading both of the stories here. Though Alison’s poor decisions and inability to read people did occasionally drive me nuts, she was still very likable. The author clearly knows the topic well, and I enjoyed how heavy on the history this book was.

The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton written by Jennifer N Brown
Publication date April 14, 2026

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

This is an historical fiction book based on Elizabeth Barton who was a 16th century prophet and spoke out against Henry VIII. It is a dual timeline that goes back and forth from the Tudor era to present day. This story is so interesting with the historical facts and will keep you on the edge of your seat with the present day thriller. I gave it 5 stars and highly recommend! This author is new to me but she tells the story well and I hope to find more books by her.